Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original plot and storyline of Never Enough, however, belong to me. Please be nice and don't copy or translate without permission. Thank you.

Oh my goodness, I am such a fail at updating – it has been a month! I am so sorry! :( And I'm even worse at answering my reviews! I hope that you can forgive me for both. I swear I look at both the story and my unanswered reviews each and every day and try to work on them – all I can ask for is patience, understanding, and a wee bit of forgiveness. Pretty please? *bats eyelashes*

My love and adoration for my betas, Iadorepugs and Cullen_Crazy01. Iadorepugs just posted the most unique wedding I've ever read in her story Ride the Wind – go check it out! And Cullen_Crazy01 and I will start working on our collaboration as soon as NE finishes – just two chapters (after this one) and an epi left!

When we last left our happily engaged couple, Edward had cockblocked himself by proposing a seven-week sexbargo until their wedding. Let's check in with them and see how that's working out for them…

Chapter 35

~Week One~

Even though our wedding was going to be small by most people's standards, it was a much larger affair than my rushed wedding to Jacob and I had never before planned an event of this magnitude, so I was very grateful for the Alice's organizational wizardry. While I had wondered how much help Sarah would actually be to Alice, it turned out she had assisted Renesmee with some of her wedding plans and thus had very recent experience with wedding planning. Alice told me Sarah was a Godsend as we attempted to pull together the wedding on such short notice, although she had barely flinched when I'd told her the date was only seven weeks away.

Our biggest worry had been trying to find a place to host the wedding on such short notice, but that had actually been the easiest thing to cross off the list. When we called Edward's Uncle Marcus and Aunt Dee to tell them about our engagement, Dee insisted that we hold the wedding at their home on San Juan Island. I couldn't stop myself from squealing like a teenage girl when I pictured the lovely outdoor setting. Dee said she would start making calls immediately to reserve rooms at some of the bed and breakfasts for guests, and that both she and Marcus, and Caius and his wife Thena would house immediate family at their homes. The Cullen Cabin would be mine and Edward's for our wedding night, a thought that made me shiver both in remembrance and anticipation.

Once we had a location, Alice started assigning tasks. Dee and Esme were most familiar with San Juan, so they were in charge of the caterer. Kate had a high school friend who was a florist in Vancouver that could fit in our last-minute date, so flowers were taken care of as well.

Edward was surprisingly interested in the wedding plans, and was quite vocal with his opinions. I loved that he cared enough to even have an opinion about things such as food, flowers and music. Given the reason and rush of my first wedding, all Jacob had done was shown up and said "I do." Edward wanted to know everything that was going on, and was willing to pitch in to make phone calls, run errands and track down leads to make it all happen. I loved how involved he was in everything.

Even though we weren't spending any overnights or weekends together, Edward and I were looking forward to a quiet evening alone at my house...well, soon to be our house, after a busy week of catching up at work and starting on wedding and other plans. We'd talked with the kids over the week and decided for now that Edward would move in with us after the wedding, with the possibility of buying a new home down the road.

As we worked together making dinner, we debated furniture of Edward's that we would keep and pieces of mine and his that we would donate, and other things we would put in storage in the meantime. We stole occasional affectionate kisses as we passed one another in the kitchen. It was something I could see us doing in the years ahead many times and the idea made me smile.

We continued to talk about blending our households throughout dinner and cleanup, and then settled into the living room to watch a movie. Edward stretched out onto the couch, and I laid cuddled up beside him, sighing as I rested my head against his chest and enjoying the feel of his arms around me, and the calmness of being alone together after this last crazy week of work and wedding planning.

It didn't take long laying that way for me to become distracted by Edward's proximity. His hand brushed absently up and down my arm, his fingers stopping to play with the ends of my hair from time to time. The feel of his breath against my scalp when he leaned to press a kiss against my head made me shiver and gooseflesh rise on my arms. "Are you cold, love?" he asked with concern, his voice husky and warm.

"No," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I obviously failed miserably because I noticed the corner of Edward's mouth twitch as he fought a grin. He shifted slightly, laying on his back against the cushions and bringing me to rest on top of his chest and between his bent knees. I could feel the stirring of his erection beneath me, and the wanton part of me wanted to press and writhe against him until we were both fully aroused. But I knew how much he wanted us to wait to make love again until we were married, and if I was being truthful there was a part of me that wanted to wait too. I contented myself with burying my fingers in his glorious hair and kissing the daylights out of him.

I broke the kiss before it got too far out of hand and snuggled into his embrace. "Mmmm, I've missed you so much," Edward breathed, hugging me tightly and tucking my head beneath his chin, running his hands up and down my back, careful to stay between my shoulders and my waistline. No matter how innocent his caresses were, my body still craved his and I had to stifle a moan at the feel of my tight nipples pressed against his chest.

"I know, I miss you too," I said with a sigh, using the present tense, knowing that he would be leaving soon to go home. I laid my head against his chest, closing my eyes and listening to the reassuring beat of his heart beneath my ear. I timed my breaths with his, our respiration so synchronous that it felt as if we were breathing as one.

I had no idea how much time had passed when I felt his lips brush my forehead. "Wake up, sleeping beauty."

"Don't wanna," I denied sleepily, snuggling against him and burrowing deeper into his embrace. I became aware of several things at once. The movie was now at the menu screen, meaning that we had been this way for at least a couple of hours. We were turned so that I was pressed between Edward's hard body and the soft couch cushions. And Edward's body was hard, especially between his legs, where one of my thighs was pressed intimately. He had one hand on the curve of my ass where it met my other thigh, which was hitched over his hip, and his other hand was beneath my shirt, his fingers warm on my ribcage just below the lacy cup of my bra.

I let out my breath in a rush and looked up, my eyes meeting his. "I can explain?" Edward said, more of a question than an answer in his voice.

"Go ahead," I said, my voice husky with sleep. I stretched, moving against him, and he shuddered at the contact, swallowing convulsively.

"You fell asleep, and you were so peaceful and beautiful laying there I just wanted to stay a while longer. So I shifted so we could lie side by side, and I watched you while you slept."

"You watched me sleep? How boring, when you could have watched the movie instead," I teased him.

"I'd rather watch you than a movie any day," he said as he caressed my cheek, making my heart flutter. "Anyway, we were lying here, and all of the sudden you started talking, and moving. Do you remember what you were dreaming about?"

I blushed, because I did recall dreaming about the Cullen Cabin, and our last night there in front of the fire, how we had made love in the living room just before he proposed. "Oh my God," I groaned in embarrassment, burying my face in his shoulder.

"Well, I don't think you had gotten there quite yet, but you seemed to be pretty close," Edward teased

I wanted to sink through the sofa cushions. Leave it to me to dry-hump him while sleeping in his arms during our sexbargo. "Well, this is rather humiliating," I admitted in a small voice.

"I thought it was sexy as hell," Edward said, sliding his hand up just a fraction and squeezing my ass, groaning as I moved against him again, and kissing me hungrily when I raised my lips to his. I slid my fingers into his hair, wanting to make the most of what I was sure was going to be our last embrace of the night.

Sure enough, Edward pulled away after only a few minutes, breathing heavily as his nose skimmed along my jawline, pressing soft kisses in his wake. He slowly sat us up on the couch. "I think it's time to remove myself from temptation. Would you walk me to the door?"

I sighed and pouted playfully. "Yes, but only because in six weeks the only door I'll be walking you to is the one of our bedroom."

"I can hardly wait, Mrs. Cullen," Edward teased, his eyes bright with excitement that made my heart flutter.

~Week Three~

Wedding attire was the next biggest task to accomplish, but Alice had a plan for that, too. In another whirlwind excursion similar to the bookstore research weekend, Alice whisked Rosalie, Angela, Sarah and I off to Seattle, where we met Esme at a bridal salon Alice had located that was able to work with our rushed schedule. In the span of a few hours, we chose my dress, and dresses for Alice, Rosalie and Angela as my bridesmaids, and for Sarah as my maid of honor.

The rest of our weekend was spent being pampered in the spa and shopping. Alice and Rosalie both insisted that I shop for a traditional honeymoon trousseau of scanty lingerie that made me blush horribly when Sarah teased me about it, and fantasize vividly when I thought about Edward seeing me in it. Esme insisted on paying for the lot of it, which caused gales of laughter, especially when she picked up a feathered black number and made a comment regarding Carlisle's taste running toward more risqué pieces.

When we were driving back home the next day, Alice pulled out her clipboard and she and Sarah put their heads together, studying their never-ending lists of details. "Date, check. Location, check. Caterer, check. Dresses, check. Flowers, check. Now we need to plan your shower!"

"No shower!" I insisted.

"Why the hell not?" asked Rosalie from the driver's seat

"Showers are for young couples that need things. Edward and I have enough things to fill two houses! We're going to need a yard sale, not a shower, to move in together."

"Bella..." Alice said in a whiny voice, widening her eyes at me.

"No, puppy-dog eyes aren't going to work on this. No shower."

"How about a pre-wedding party then? So that the families and friends can meet?" Rosalie suggested. "More of an engagement party."

"Perfect! Jasper and I can throw it at our house," Alice chimed in.

I thought about it, and decided I liked the idea. "Sure. Just make sure it's casual, nothing like your New Year's party."

"How about a barbeque? Burgers and brats, potato salad, etcetera?" Rosalie suggested.

"Oooh, a picnic theme!" Alice clapped her hands. I felt my blush color my cheeks when I thought of my last picnic in the meadow on San Juan, and Alice rolled her eyes. "I don't even want to know why that made you blush, Isabella Cullen!"

"Isabella Cullen?" I said, my voice a little breathy. I had to admit, I really liked the way that sounded. I hoped the kids would be okay with me changing my last name.

"I like the sound of that, Bella Cullen," Sarah said, as if I had voiced the question out loud.

"Me too," I admitted, grinning at Sarah. She had been all big goofy smiles this weekend. She had gotten her kiss from Daniel the day after our talk in her bedroom, and just two nights ago Daniel had told her he loved her. Sarah had burst into tears when he told her, and Daniel, being Daniel, had assumed he'd upset her and apologized profusely. It had taken Sarah at least ten minutes to convince him that her tears were happy ones and that she did indeed love him back. They had been texting and whispering on the phone all weekend. I found the whole thing rather adorable.

While we had been in Seattle, Edward, Will and Seth had been in Forks, bonding with Charlie. The thought of the weekend made me shudder. I hoped I still needed a wedding dress after Edward's forty-eight hours with my dad and step-brother. I was about to find out, as Rosalie was dropping us off at Edward's condo for dinner tonight.

Will greeted us with a huge smile and an enthusiastic hug for me, and I was surprised to find Seth there as well, since they hadn't ridden together. Will pretended like he was going to hug his sister and she rolled her eyes and playfully shoved him away, pulling out her phone to send yet another text, presumably to Daniel again. "Find your dress in Seattle, Mom?" Will yelled, his voice stuck on perpetual 'loud.'

"Sure did. How was Forks? Did you have a good time?"

"Yeah, it was great! Grandpa C and Grandpa B took us out fishing in the boat, and then Grandpa C even took Edward down fly fishing at his secret spot. Edward did great until...well, Uncle Seth ought to tell you that part," Will said, narrowing his eyes at his uncle, which was unusual behavior. Usually he and Seth were the best of buddies and it was strange to see him unhappy with Seth.

I arched an eyebrow at Seth, who motioned for me to accompany him into the living room. I made sure the kids were set in the kitchen where they volunteered to make dinner and then followed Seth. "What's going on? Where's Edward?" I asked. "Not that I'm not glad to see you, but why exactly are you here?"

Seth sighed and looked down at the carpet, a guilty expression on his face. "Now Bells, you should know that Charlie has already run me through the ringer for this, and Edward said it's no big deal."

"Spill it, Clearwater, now!" I demanded, pointing a finger at him.

"Well, Charlie took Edward down to the river this morning so he could spend some one-on-one time with him. Now I meant no harm, I was just goofing around with my future brother-in-law. I may have snuck up behind Edward when he and Charlie separated. Edward might have slipped on one of the rocks in the river, and maybe he threw his back out."

"Seth, you God damned idiot!" I yelled. "What the hell were you thinking? Oh wait, I forgot who I was talking to—thinking is definitely not your style," I muttered sarcastically. "How is he?"

"He's in a bit of pain," Seth admitted reluctantly. "But we took him to the hospital in Forks, and they gave him muscle relaxers and pain relievers at the hospital dispensary. I helped him into the shower when we got here, because they told him that the heat and steam would help. Please Bella, don't kill me."

"Get into the kitchen and supervise the kids," I growled. "I'm going to check on Edward."

"But I've got a date tonight," Seth whined, throwing a longing look over his shoulder at the front door.

"Tough shit," I said without sympathy. "You cleared your social calendar the moment you decided to mess with Edward this morning."

"Yeah, that's what Ma said," Seth agreed with a sigh. "Let me know if you need anything. The kids and I have got dinner handled."

I turned on my heel, muttering to myself about idiot brothers as I quickly padded down the hallway to Edward's bedroom. I drew in a deep breath and tapped lightly on the bedroom door, opening it when I heard Edward's muffled, "Come in."

I was greeted by perhaps one of the most enticing sights I had ever seen. Edward was sprawled on his stomach on his bed, his hips wrapped in a towel, his hair still damp from a shower. However, he was lying at an odd angle, and he had an ice pack on his lower back, and two small prescription bottles on his nightstand. "Are you okay?" I asked.

"I threw my fucking back out," he growled, grimacing as he tried to look at me over his shoulder. "The hot shower helped, but it's starting to seize up again."

I quickly moved to sit on the bed, reaching out to stroke his hair. "Yes, I heard. I'm so sorry that my step-brother is such an ass. How are you feeling?"

"Better now that you're here," he sighed, closing his eyes as my fingers tangled in his hair, my nails lightly scraping against his scalp the way I knew he loved. He shivered in response, nuzzling his head towards me.

"Are you cold, baby?" I asked him as his shoulders and back erupted in gooseflesh.

"A little," he admitted. "But I was going to be damned if I was going to ask Seth for help again. He's had a few too many laughs today at my expense, and I'm a little tired of him calling me 'Old Man Cullen'."

I gritted my teeth against the growl which threatened to surface. "Do you want pjs or just a blanket for now?" I asked. "And anything else? Have you had anything to eat? Have you taken your meds?"

"A blanket, please. Seth forced the meds down my throat before the shower and I'm starting to feel stoned from those. And maybe you could just lay down with me for a little bit, if the kids are okay?" he asked hopefully, and I smiled.

"Let me grab a blanket and check on the kids, and I'll be right back, all right?" I said, leaning down and pressing a kiss to his cheek. I scooted off the bed and grabbed a throw blanket and placed it over him, then went back down the hallway into the kitchen, where Seth, Sarah and Will were assembling sandwiches and heating up soup.

Sarah was the first one to notice my return "How is he?" she asked, scowling at Seth, almost as protective of Edward as I was.

"He's pretty knocked out from the pain and the meds. Will you guys be okay if I stay in his room for a while to take care of him? Uncle Seth will stay here with you, of course," I said with a pointed glare in his direction.

Seth nodded his head, knowing better than to argue with me. "I'm here as long as you need me, Bells. Whenever you need a ride home, you just holler."

"Are you hungry, Mom?" Will asked, holding up a huge sandwich that looked like it had every ingredient in Edward's kitchen. The sight of it made me slightly nauseous.

"Uh, not right now sweetheart. Maybe in a little while. I just want to get back to Edward. I'm going to call his dad first and see if there's anything I can do to help him."

"We'll be right here, Mom," Sarah said. "Let us know if we can help."

I grabbed Edward's cell phone and dialed Carlisle and Esme's number. "Hello Edward darling!" Esme answered on the second ring.

"Actually Esme, it's Bella," I said.

"Oooh, even better, but don't tell Edward I said that!" Esme giggled. I had formed a fast friendship with my soon-to-be mother-in-law over the past several weeks as the wedding plans had kicked into high gear. "I didn't expect to hear from you quite so soon. Why are you using Edward's phone to call?"

"I'm at his place right now, and I actually need to speak with Carlisle. Apparently Edward slipped earlier this morning and put his back out. I understand he saw a physician in Forks, but I wanted to check with Carlisle to see if there is anything I can do to help."

"Oh, poor boy," Esme clucked. "He's done that several times before, when he bends just right he puts it out of alignment. He'll have to see his chiropractor first thing tomorrow. I think there are a few things that Carlisle can suggest. Oh Carlisle! Bella needs to speak with you!" she called. "He's right here, dear. Please tell Edward that I'm thinking of him and do take care of him for me."

"Thanks Esme, I will," I promised as I went back down the hallway to Edward's room. He was lying in the same position I had left him in, his eyes closed.

"Hello Bella," Carlisle's voice sounded through the phone.

"Hi Carlisle," I said quietly, watching to see if Edward would react to the sound of my voice. His eyelids fluttered and he looked at me, a soft smile on his lips. He didn't look like he was in as much pain as before, and for that I was grateful.

"Esme said you needed to speak with me?" Carlisle inquired, his voice warm.

"Yes. Edward has thrown his back out. He was seen by a doctor at the hospital in Forks and was given medication. He's taken a hot shower and is using an ice pack, but I wanted to check and see if there's anything else I can do to help him before he sees his chiropractor tomorrow," I asked, sitting down again by Edward's side. Edward slowly moved toward me, putting his head in my lap and snuggling against me, wrapping one arm around my waist. My fingers automatically went to his hair and started stroking and tugging on the strands. Edward moaned at my ministrations, tightening his grip around my waist and shifting even closer to me.

"If he has some medicated cream you can use on his back, something to soothe sore muscles that may help. Would you mind checking the medications he was prescribed? I want to make sure they gave him the right meds, although I'm sure he told them what he can and can't have."

"What he can't have?" I asked, reaching for the two bottles on the bedside stand, which wasn't easy with Edward wrapped around me the way he was. I read off the two drug names to Carlisle, who swore under his breath when I read the second drug name.

"Ask him if he took the second drug, and if so, how much he took," Carlisle said, his voice suddenly business-like.

"Edward, Carlisle wants to know if you took your painkiller, and if so, how much you took?" I said, leaning down and cupping his cheek with my hand.

Edward turned his face and pressed an open-mouthed kiss onto my palm, his tongue wet as he traced patterns on my palm. My body clenched in response to his unexpected erotic action. "I took all the meds Seth gave me like a good boy, sweetheart. I feel fine now, except I'm really stiff right here," Edward slurred, rolling to his side and guiding our intertwined hands down to his erection. I gasped and Edward groaned as he thrust his hips towards me, his hard length held firmly in our joined grasp.

"Bella, did Edward take the painkillers?" Carlisle asked again.

"Um, yes, he did," I answered, sure I sounded a little breathless. "I think he took the full dose."

"Damn it. Bella, Edward is essentially allergic to the second drug, actually to all narcotics. Now it's not a kind of allergy that is going to harm him and send him into shock or anything, but he is exceedingly sensitive to their effects. It will make him seem quite drunk, especially if he took the double dose as prescribed, and he will wake in the morning with one hell of a hangover. I hate to put this on you Bella, but you're going to have to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid tonight, anything he may regret. Just make sure he stays home. Hopefully he'll just sleep it off."

Carlisle's words were ringing in my ears. Edward was having a reaction to the drug he had taken tonight, and he had no idea what he was doing. But I sure as hell knew what he was doing to me as he held my hand to his arousal and swore, moaning loudly as he shifted his hips, his erection gliding in and out of our hands in time with his thrusts.

"Okay, I'll take care of him, Carlisle," I said faintly, blushing furiously when I realized he could probably hear every noise his son was making.

"Have Edward call me tomorrow, please Bella. And don't hesitate to call tonight if you have any questions, okay?" Carlisle's warm voice was full of concern and a touch of humor, which made me certain that he was able to hear Edward.

"Okay, thanks!" I said, quickly hitting the 'end' button.

"God, I thought you'd never finish that phone call!" Edward said, pressing me back against the bed. He grabbed his phone from my hand and moved to toss it away, throwing it harder than necessary and crashing it against the wall. "Oops!" he laughed, the sound ending with a slight giggle that made me smile. I had never seen Edward drunk before, and imagining him like this, when he wasn't in pain at the hands of my idiot step-brother, was kind of cute.

Then his hands were all over me—beneath my shirt, unhooking my bra, teasing my nipples and undoing the button and zipper of my jeans and sliding beneath the satin of my underwear. His warm fingers delved into my sex and I gasped as he stroked my clit. "Mmmm, baby, you're so wet for me, just like I'm so hard for you," Edward mumbled, his lips capturing mine. His mouth was masterful, his lips and tongue persuasive. I was used to the Edward who slowly built our lovemaking, not this uninhibited Edward who dominated from the first touch. I was ready to burst into flames due to our agreement to wait until our wedding at the slightest of caresses.

Our wedding. I remembered my promise to Esme to take care of Edward, and my vow to Carlisle to make sure Edward wouldn't do anything he would regret while under the influence of the painkillers. And I knew that while neither one of us would ever truly regret making love, I also knew that he would be very upset with himself if it were to happen this way, with him not in full control of himself and his actions.

I reached up with both hands and held Edward's face between my palms. I kissed him, long and thorough, slowly pushing and guiding him until he was lying on his back again and I was hovering above him. He moaned in disappointment when I started to retreat, his arms reaching up to pull me back to him. It was one of the hardest things I had to do, resisting his kiss and seeking hands. I literally ached to be with him.

I had to bite back a giggle when he jutted out his lower lip in an exaggerated pout and crossed his arms over his chest, huffing out a sigh at what he deemed was my rejection. Doped up Edward was adorable. "Don't be angry with me, Edward. I'm going to go get some lotion and give you a massage," I tried to appease him, hoping that I could get his body to relax enough for the medicine to kick in and allow him to fall asleep. "Go ahead and roll over onto your stomach, and I'll get what I need from the bathroom, okay baby?"

Edward's eyes were a little glassy as he followed my movements. I found a tube of sports cream in the medicine cabinet and grabbed it, along with some regular lotion. I stopped at the linen closet and grabbed another blanket and then made my way back to the bed with my supplies.

Edward reached for me the moment I was near, wincing as he over-extended and pulled at his back muscles. I shook my head at him. "That's why you need the massage. Roll over."

"What do I do about this?" he asked with a slight whine, wrapping his fingers around his erection and slowly working his hand from base to tip and back down again.

I bit my lip at the sight of him working his shaft, a myriad of very naughty pictures of exactly what I'd like to do to him coming to mind, but I firmly shoved them aside. "Edward, roll over. You'll be fine."

He grumbled but did as I asked, grimacing again as he situated himself, although I didn't know what body part stiffness caused his discomfort. I waited until he was somewhat comfortably positioned, then grabbed the sports cream and started to warm it between my hands. "Where does it hurt most?" I asked him.

"My lower back," he grumbled into his pillow, hissing when my hands made contact with his skin. "Cold," he growled.

"Sorry," I said, biting back my giggle at his grumpy tone. I started to rub gently, feeling the cream warm against his skin. I worked the muscles on either side of his spine in a gentle up and down motion before spreading out across his back, and then back and forth. I didn't apply much pressure, not wanting to aggravate the injured area, but he sighed in contentment as the heat started to penetrate the sore muscles.

I used the sports cream on his entire back and his hips, using more pressure on his shoulders and hips to try and ease some of the tension in those muscles. I couldn't help but smile when he groaned and moaned as I continued my ministrations, glad that he was enjoying my touch so much. I made a mental note to give him a massage when it wasn't a matter of a medical treatment, and when could both enjoy a 'happy ending'.

I switched to regular lotion and massaged his arms and legs as well, and by the time I was done, my arms, hands and fingers were sore and Edward was asleep, snoring softly. I covered him with the extra blanket and then went to check on the kids and Seth.

I found Seth on the couch, watching a movie, but the rest of the condo was quiet. "I called Jake, and he came and got the kids and took them home, since they have school tomorrow. He said he'll get 'em to class, just let him know if he needs to get 'em after school too." Seth took a long draught of his beer. "I really am sorry, Bella. I never meant for anything to happen to Edward. You know that I think he's a great guy, right? He really is perfect for you, and I know how much he loves you, and Sarah and Will. Charlie is crazy about him, and my own Ma threatened to disown me this morning for my little prank. I promise to make it up to you two, Bells, whatever it takes."

"Oh, you promise to make it up to 'Old Man Cullen,' do you?" I asked, watching Seth's eyes widen. I snorted. "I accept your apology Seth, but you're going to have to talk it out with Edward, and probably Will and Sarah, as far as the rest of it goes. Hey, who talked to the doc about Edward's meds today anyway?" I asked.

"I did, why?"

My grin was almost gleeful. "Because he had an allergic reaction to one of them and is going to be miserable tomorrow you asshole. Way to go."

Seth groaned. "Great, Ma and Charlie are going to disown me, and Will and Sarah are going to kill me. Can it get any better?"

I had probably tortured him enough for tonight. The poor guy really was repentant. "Yeah, you can take off now. If the kids are at Jacob's, I'm going to stay here tonight and take Edward to the chiropractor tomorrow. I can drive his car. Sorry you had to miss your date."

Seth shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, I was an ass, I deserved to miss it. Luckily, she's a nice girl and she understood."

"A nice girl?" I pretended to be shocked. "What's she doing with you then?"

"Hell if I know," he joked. "Thanks for not killing me, Bells."

"You're off the hook this time, bro. If there's a next time, all bets are off. And I will make no promises where my kids and fiancé are concerned, ever."

"Understood. Let me know if you guys need anything, 'kay?"

"Will do. Thanks for sticking around tonight."

"You mean I had a choice?" Seth joked, grabbing me in a headlock and pretending to give me a noogie. "Make sure you have something to eat and get some rest, okay? And don't ride him too hard tonight. You don't want to throw his back out any further."

I blushed scarlet and shoved him off the couch. "Shut up you pervert! Get out of here before I forget I'm not mad at you any more."

After Seth left I did a quick check of the kitchen, pleased that they had cleaned up after themselves. Someone, Sarah I presumed, had left me a turkey sandwich in the refrigerator. I ate half of it and drank a glass of milk, then called Angela and explained that I would be late tomorrow morning. I called Jake and thanked him for taking the kids, and spoke to both Sarah and Will. I reassured them that Edward was fine and told them I would see them tomorrow afternoon. Finally, I made sure that the doors were locked before returning to the bedroom where Edward slept on, unmoving since I last left him.

I removed the pain relievers from the bedstand and put them in the bathroom, grabbing a bottle of motrin instead and a glass of water in case he woke in the middle of the night and needed something for pain. I grabbed one of his tee shirts from a drawer and readied myself for bed, sliding under the blanket and cuddling next to him despite the temptation his bare skin offered. Technically I was breaking our bargain of 'no overnights', but I didn't think this would count with his injury and my promise to Esme and Carlisle planted firmly in the forefront of my mind.

Edward turned his head towards me and snuggled closer, whispering my name. I inhaled deeply, his scent filling my lungs and comforting me. I pressed my lips to his shoulder. "I love you," I breathed.

"Love you too," Edward murmured, slipping back into sleep moments later.

I closed my eyes and sighed. I had never felt more contented.

For those of you in the medical profession, I realize that the mixup with the medication is highly unlikely, especially having Seth talking to the doctor, but we had to have dopey Edward, we just had to. So give me a little poetic license, okay? :) All right, one more pre-wedding chapter to go, then the wedding/wedding night, and an epilogue. This time I'm sure of chapter count. The last two chapters are outlined and mostly written (as is the epi), so there should not be a great delay in posting.

As always, if there was anything that made you smile, laugh, sigh, or even growl in frustration (much like doped up Edward – how adorable was he?), please take a moment to let me know. I am slowly working my way through my backlog of reviews, and trust me, if you have taken the time to let me know your thoughts, I WILL respond to your review!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read!